Aisyiyah
Aisyiyah is an auxiliary of the Indonesian Muhamadiyah movement, named after the Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Aishah. It focuses on women’s affairs, including education, social services, and the propagation of Islam among women.
Etymology
Aisyiyah derives from Aishah, the name of the Prophet Muhammad’s beloved wife. The Arabic spelling is عائشة, while in Turkish it is transliterated as Aişe.
Historical Overview
Founded in 1914, Aisyiyah was initially called Sapa Tresno (’those who love’), reflecting its mission to foster a sense of care and duty among Muslim women. The organization’s main objective has been the empowerment and education of women within an Islamic framework.
Objectives and Activities
The principal goal of Aisyiyah is to promote Islamic teachings and ethical values among women. Its activities include:
- Building Infrastructure: Aisyiyah has established numerous women’s mosques termed ‘Aisyah mosques,’ kindergartens, and schools to support women’s education and religious practice.
- Education and Advocacy: Through its network of academic institutions and community driven programs, Aisyiyah strives to educate women about Islam and their rights and duties within its framework.
- Social Services: Engaging in various social services, including health care and welfare programs, catered specifically to women and children.
Relation to Muhammadiyah
Aisyiyah operates under the broader scope of the Muhammadiyah movement, a reformist Islamic organization in Indonesia focused on purifying Islamic teachings and promoting social welfare.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Muhammadiyah Movement: Islam and Modernity in Indonesia” by James L. Peacock
- “Women and the Islamic State: Indoctrination to Dis/empowerment” by Katherine Brown
- “Indonesian Women and Local Politics” by Kurniawan Tri Yunanto
Takeaways
- Empowerment and Education: Aisyiyah continues to be a significant force for the empowerment of women in Indonesia, championing education and social services from an Islamic perspective.
- Integration with Muhammadiyah: While autonomous in its operations, Aisyiyah’s values and missions are deeply intertwined with the broader objectives of the Muhammadiyah movement.
Conclusion
Aisyiyah stands as an embodiment of Islamic feminist advocacy and community development. Through its long history, it has positively impacted countless lives and continues to be a torchbearer for educating and empowering Muslim women in Indonesia.
For additional exploration of Aisyiyah and similar movements, refer to the suggested literature and Muhammadiyah’s official documents and publications.
Related Entry: Muhammadiyah
